Long Canyon Trail in Desert Hot Springs Opens December 3rd
The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC), the Friends of the Desert Mountains (FODM) and the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC) are thrilled to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new trailhead at the base of Long Canyon in the City of Desert Hot Springs.
The event will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the trailhead, which is located about one mile north of the intersection of Long Canyon Road and Hacienda Avenue. It will be followed by an inaugural hike led by FODM.
CLICK HERE FOR MAP TO LONG CANYON TRAILHEAD
The new trailhead and approximately 1.5-mile trail connect the Coachella Valley to the approximately 9.1-mile Long Canyon Trail Route within Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). It provides stunning, picturesque views of the preserved desert. From there, the JTNP trail corridor winds through the natural wash and climbs Long Canyon, ending in Yucca Valley.
The longer trail corridor is in a wilderness zone and is not improved but usable by most hikers, becoming increasingly strenuous after a few miles. This new connection in Desert Hot Springs facilitates “in and out” or one way hiking that begins quite easy but becomes moderately difficult and later strenuous, so hikers can decide how far they can or want to hike.
The project was completed in partnership by the CVMC, FODM and City of Desert Hot Springs. It was made possible through the CVMC funds from Propositions 12 and 68 and in- kind contributions from DHS and FODM volunteers. The two parking lots and trailhead lie on land owned by the CVCC.
This event will feature remarks from partner agencies that made the trail possible and conclude with the optional, inaugural hike. Event speakers will include La Quinta Councilmember Kathleen Fitzpatrick, CVMC Board Chair; FODM Executive Director Tammy Martin; Desert Hot Springs Councilmember Gary Gardner; CVCC Executive Director Tom Kirk; and Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith.
Trail Description & Conditions
The new Desert Hot Springs Trailhead provides access along a gentle. approximately 1.5-mile marked trail to a federal wilderness area that lies in the southern end of Joshua Tree National Park. At the boundary to the Park, the trail continues as a designated trail corridor route in the natural wash of Long Canyon and is not marked. It extends about 9 miles to Yucca Valley, becoming moderately difficult and strenuous as it progresses uphill and terminates at the top of the Canyon in Yucca Valley.
The National Park Service intends to add minimal trail markings in the future. Similarly, the Mojave Desert Land Trust is working to create a parking area and trailhead in Yucca Valley that would allow hikers to shuttle back and forth to avoid having to hike the entire trail twice.
In the meantime, please enjoy the Canyon’s plants and wildlife, along with the stunning views along this route connecting the Coachella Valley with the Park and the high desert. As always, be mindful of the weather conditions, especially in summer, bringing along plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. As you consider how far you wish to hike, remember that you will have to retrace your steps back to the Desert Hot Springs trailhead.
